Jeremy Stephens

Jeremy Stephens (born May 26, 1986) is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division.

Stephens was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 26, 1986, and came from a broken home.

When he was eight years old, Stephens parents divorced and he constantly switched between schools while also living in various apartments, shelters, and even in his mother's car before moving to Norwalk, Iowa, with his father, who was granted custody of Stephens when he was in the fifth grade.

Growing up, Stephens played baseball, basketball, and also competed in wrestling.

Stephens attended Norwalk High School where he was a standout in baseball and wrestling, having returned to wrestling during his senior year.

Stephens was introduced to mixed martial arts by his grandfather who had also originally persuaded Stephens to compete in wrestling.

While beginning his career in mixed martial arts, Stephens looked up to and later became friends with fellow Des Moines native Josh Neer.

At age 16, Stephens began mixed martial arts as an amateur and began full-time training at the age of 18.

Stephens was the UGC and MCC Lightweight Champion.

A professional since 2005, he spent 15 years and competed in 33 bouts in the UFC's Featherweight and Lightweight divisions and also spent time in the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

Stephens was defeated via second round armbar submission in his UFC debut against veteran Din Thomas at UFC 71 on May 26, 2007.

His first win in the UFC was against Diego Saraiva at UFC 76 via unanimous decision.

Jeremy then scored his second win inside the Octagon after beating Cole Miller via second-round TKO at UFC Fight Night 12.

At the finale of The Ultimate Fighter 7, Jeremy took on former trainer and friend Spencer Fisher.

Stephens lost via unanimous decision.

After the loss he rebounded with an emphatic come from behind knockout victory over BJJ black belt and future UFC Lightweight Champion, Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 91.

He was out-grappled the first two rounds but in the third came out swinging and landed a huge uppercut on dos Anjos that knocked him unconscious.

This win earned him the Knockout of the Night award.

Stephens next stepped in as a late replacement for Hermes Franca against Joe Lauzon on February 7, 2009, at UFC Fight Night 17.

Lauzon defeated Stephens with an armbar late in the second round.

Then on April 1, 2009, at UFC Fight Night: Condit vs Kampmann, Stephens was out-wrestled by Gleison Tibau and lost his second straight fight via unanimous decision.

Stephens was expected to return to the octagon on September 16, 2009, at UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Guillard against UFC newcomer Ronnys Torres.

However, Torres sustained an injury during training and was replaced by Justin Buchholz.

Stephens defeated Buchholz after landing several big strikes and opening up a deep gash on Buchholz's forehead, forcing the doctor to stop the fight midway through the first round.

This win earned him the Knockout of the Night award.

Stephens was expected to face Nik Lentz on January 11, 2010, at UFC Fight Night 20.

However, Stephens suffered a cut and was forced to pull out of the fight.

Stephens defeated Sam Stout via split decision on May 8, 2010, at UFC 113.

He won the fight via split decision.

This win earned him the Fight of the Night award.

Stephens lost to Melvin Guillard on September 25, 2010, at UFC 119 via split decision.

Stephens faced Marcus Davis on January 1, 2011, at UFC 125.

After likely losing the first two rounds, Stephens then came out more aggressive in the third round and caught Davis with a counter punch resulting in a KO win.

This win earned him the Knockout of the Night award.

Stephens was expected to face Jonathan Brookins on June 4, 2011, at The Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale.

However, Brookins was forced from the bout with an injury and replaced by Danny Downes.

Stephens defeated Downes via unanimous decision after dominating all three rounds.

Stephens faced Anthony Pettis on October 8, 2011, at UFC 136.

Pettis defeated Stephens via split decision (29-28, 28–29, 29-28).

Stephens replaced an injured Yves Edwards against Donald Cerrone on May 15, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier He lost the fight via unanimous decision.